Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Tony Schiavone is in the ring to introduce MJF to start tonight's show. MJF brags about wearing beautiful watches, custom shoes, diamond rings, Burberry shoes and scarves, arriving in private jets and limousine as well as having the best girlfriend and says that the AEW World Championship is proof of having all that. He also brags that the "Triple B" is worth more than all the money the fans have, then tells the fans to change the channel if anyone brags that they are better than MJF, because what is coming out of their mouth is also coming out of their asses. MJF states that "Hangman" Adam Page and Bandido are just the first of his victims and that 2026 is "the year of the Devil" and that nobody is on his level, then Brody King arrives. Schiavone hands the microphone to MJF, wishes him luck and leaves the ring before Brody King says that the only thing he can think of is all the way that he wants to hurt MJF and putting his fist through his chest and ripping out his spine since MJF attacked Bandido. He then says he will not do that because MJF is "just a bitch," which the fans soon chant, and states that if he puts his hands on him, he will not get a match MJF so he can choke the life out of him, beat him and take his title tonight. MJF backs up to the corner and says no, then says it is not because he is afraid of Brody, saying Brody is all bark and no bite, but because he has beaten nobody of worth to challenge him, and says this match will not happen until Brody beats elite-level talent. He also warns Brody that if he interrupts him again, they will have a problem. He pokes Brody in the chest once before realizing this is a mistake, and Brody barks at MJF as MJF leaves the ring in a hurry.
We see a video package of what has happened between Samoa Joe and "Hangman" Adam Page in the last week.
Backstage, MJF interviews "Hangman" Adam Page and JetSpeed ("The Jet" Kevin Knight and "Speedball" Mike Bailey). Hangman says tonight is a night for celebration and that they should come up with a team name. Kevin Knight comes up with "Jet Set Rodeo," but Hangman has to shoot down "Horsecock," saying it did not work out in the past. Hangman mentions his upcoming match with Katsuyori Shibata, then Speedball says that he and Knight will focus on their matches and do well. Hangman warns Knight that while Samoa Joe is tough, he has his strengths and he will win if he can outlast him. Knight then asks Hangman about Swerve Strickland, and Hangman says "It'll be a hell of a main event."
Samoa Joe beats "Speedball" Mike Bailey. During the match, Hook and Katsuyori Shibata show up and get involved throughout the match without getting caught. Joe gets the win with the Muscle Buster after Hook distracts referee Paul Turner while Shibata assists Joe in hitting Speedball with the Muscle Buster out of the corner.
Don Callis guests on commentary for the next match.
The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia) beat The Don Callis Family (Hechicero, Lance Archer, Rocky "Azucar" Romero) by submission in a Trios Street Fight with a Dragonslayer from Garcia to Romero after Moxley curb stomps Romero. After the match, The Death Riders, also including Claudio Castagnoli and "The Problem" Marina Shafir, gets in Don Callis' face, and Moxley tells Callis to tell his family that they know where to find him.
We hear from Triangle of Madness (Julia Hart, Skye Blue, "The Toxic Spider" Thekla). Thekla says Kris Statlander gives everyone title shots, then mentions that she never gets one. Thekla says that she will give Statlander one week to enjoy her life before she gets her title shot. Skye Blue says that they have room for more, and Julia Hart says that she never had her TBS Championship rematch and that she wants Willow Nightingale.
Before the next match, Stokely Hathaway plugs his website (helpbigstoke.com) for help regarding his injuries before introducing FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler). Stokely Hathaway guests on commentary for the next match.
FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) beat Alec Price and Jordan Oliver (both of whom are now officially on the AEW roster).
Backstage, we hear from Kris Statlander and The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron). Statlander says that "The Toxic Spider" Thekla has no idea who she is dealing with, and while her body is made for destroying, her mind is sadistic. Willow says she has been waiting to beat Julia Hart again and gives Julia her rematch. Harley addresses Skye Blue, saying she will punch her in the face if she gets involved.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander attacks Kenny Omega during his entrance before the next match as Don Callis guests on commentary.
Kenny Omega beats "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander after briefly chasing Don Callis out of the commentary table and into the crowd. After the match, Omega gives Don Callis credit for striking while the iron was hot and while he was less than 100%, then says he has not felt this good in years and that not one member of Callis' family can beat him where he is at right now. He tells Callis to either quit while he is ahead, or lick his wounds and come back when he is AEW World Champion.
Technique by Taz breaks down MJF's Salt of the Earth and Lebell Lock from his AEW World Championship defense against Bandido.
Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford beat Timeless Love Bombs ("Timeless" Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa) after "The Problem" Marina Shafir shows up and puts Toni Storm in Mother's Milk after Bayne and Penelope hit Mina with a Doomsday Device.
MJF is seen watching from the skybox before the next match.
Tony D'Angelo retains the NXT North American Championship against Ridge Holland. During the match, Shawn Spears shows up to watch from ringside. Later on in the match, Spears gets on the ring apron only to get punched down by D'Angelo. When Luca Crusifino and channing "Stacks" Lorenzo confront Spears, they are attacked by Niko Vance and Brooks Jensen. As referees are dealing with this, Izzi Dame suddenly shows up in the ring to boot Ridge in the face, allowing D'Angelo to retain.
Backstage, Wes Lee tells Dion Lennox that he is not championship material, and that leads Dion to challenge him to a match. Trick Williams suddenly shows up, and when Wes Lee mocks him, Trick slaps him.
Vengeance Day is Saturday, February 15th!
Bayley heads to the ring. Bayley says she was here last week because she cares about Roxanne Perez and the legacy is leaving, but that just earned her a slap to the face and being told she acted like CM Punk or Natalya. She says that NXT owes her - and Roxanne - nothing, and that she owes NXT to get rid of "little idiots" like Roxanne, who showed up on Raw and SmackDown to talk trash and put her hands on her. Bayley tells Roxanne that this does not prove she is ready to be the leader of the youngest locker room in history, and as Bayley says the sky is the limit for them, Giulia suddenly shows up. Giulia says she is in NXT because of women like Bayley, and says that while Roxanne may not look up to Bayley, she does. She says she hopes to hold the NXT Women's Championship with as much love and honor as Bayley did. Bayley admits she is a fan of Giulia and wanted her to win the title, and says she knows Giulia can make history. As Bayley mentions the history that the NXT Women's Championship has made, Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade show up. Roxanne tells Bayley to drop the act and stop acting innocent, saying she would not have punched her in the face if she cared for the future. Cora agrees with Roxanne, saying that Bayley is no role model and that role models brought NXT up when people like Bayley chose to leave, and that she and Roxanne have held NXT up since day one. Roxanne says she will not take away from anything Bayley has done while she and Cora are being swamped with boos, then thanks Bayley for her service, saying it is no longer needed. Roxanne also says Bayley is the one who should be booed, saying she is eyeing the NXT Women's Championship and wants to be "the #1 woman in the #1 division," and tells Bayley to tell Giulia why she is really here. This leads to a brawl where Bayley and Giulia quickly come out on top.
Backstage, Jaida Parker and Kelani Jordan argue over who got namedropped by Bayley, and Karmen Petrovic says it does not matter as love is in the air. Sol Ruca and Zaria first have to hold Kelani back from hitting Jaida, and when Jaida starts talking about Karmen's love life, they have to hold Karmen back, too. Meanwhile, the ringside brawl between the team of Bayley and Giulia and the team of Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade restarts.
Wes Lee beats Dion Lennox. After the match, Wes Lee calls out Trick Williams for slapping him in the face, saying he will take care of him next week. Trick shows up and punches Tyson Dupont out on the way out and sends Wes Lee out of the ring before accepting his challenge.
We see a video package chronicling what has been happening recently with Lexis King as well as his recent Heritage Cup match with Charlie Dempsey.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Stephanie Vaquer. Stephanie says she wants the Women's North American Championship and is not going to stop because Fallon Henley wants to play with her opportunities. She says that if Shotzi becomes champion, she will meet Hell, and if Fallon stays champion, she can run, but she cannot hide.
Lexis King retains the NXT Heritage Cup Championship two falls to one (2-1) against Charlie Dempsey. Lexis King scores the first fall with :27 (twenty-seven seconds) left in Round 2 after sitting down on a Sunset Flip attempy by dempsey. Charlie Dempsey scores the second fall with :33 (thirty-three seconds) left in Round 3 with a double underhook suplex bridge pin. Lexis King scores the third and deciding fall with :11 (eleven seconds) left in Round 4 afer Charlie Dempsey traps the referee between the corner and Lexis King, causing King to hit a low blow that the referee cannot see followed by the Coronation to win.
Backstage, Bianca Belair and Naomi tell Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson to bring everything they have and more if they want to take the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Hank Walker and Tank Ledger meet with Andre Chase, who tells them to break up as all tag teams end in heartache. Chase then runs into Kale Dixon, who calls Andre Chase "a badass." Chase says he was a badass, but now Chase University is dead. Chae walks off, and Kale says it does not have to be.
Karmen Petrovic beats Jaida Parker with a schookid pin following the distraction by Kelani Jordan.
Backstage, Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend are met by Sol Ruca and Zaria, who tells them that their match with Bianca Belair and Naomi is the biggest of their careers. Lash and Jakara are confident that they are going to win. Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin show up, looking forward to Lash and Jakara bringing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships to NXT.
Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance beat The D'Angelo Family (Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo and Luca Crusifino).
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interview Nathan Frazer and Axiom. Frazer says they are the best tag team on the planet when Yoshiki Inamura and Josh Briggs show up. Inamura and Briggs think they are ducking them, but Frazer says they have yet to earn a title shot. Suddenly, OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price) shows up, and this starts a three team brawl that referees have to break up.
Backstage, Dion Lennox is furious, while Izzi Dame briefly speaks with Tony D'Angelo and leaves. The rest of The D'Angelo Family (Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Luca Crusifino, show up, saying they needed D'Angelo, but D'Angelo tells Stacks he has been underboss for two years and that he can figure things out on his own.
We see a video package chronicling the recent actions of "All Ego" Ethan Page.
Backstage, Cedric Alexander meets with Je'Von Evans and General Manager Ava, and tells Je'Von he will get Ethan Page for the both them. Je'Von and Cedric leave, then A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) show up to compliment Ava before wanting to be part of the action on next week's show.
WWE Hall of Fame Diamond Dallas Page is seen in the front row.
Oba Femi retains the NXT Championship against Eddy Thorpe. A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) is seen watching from the balcony during the match. After the match, Trick Williams has a staredown with Oba Femi in the ring, and when Eddy Thorpe gets up, Trick hits him with the Trick Shot to end the show.
Note: this episode is a repeat of the February 12, 2023 episode.
#7 Invictus Khash last eliminates #17 "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater with the Fujiwara Arm Bar to win the 2023 Red Carpet Rumble and earn a shot at the United World Championship at a later date.
During the match, Mega Ran makes a special appearance at #26. He eliminates #18 Guy Cool, but is eliminated by #17 "The Golden Boy" Jordan Clearwater.
We look back on Mickie James' appearance on Memphis Wrestling at Super Bout in 2022 and Cassandra Golden beating "Dirty" Diana Taylor for the Memphis Women's Championship.
Cassandra Golden retains the Memphis Wrestling Women's Championship against Jennifer Justice after foiling Martin's interference attempt on the apron.
We see footage of K-Toomer surrounded by masked men at a gas station. Someone grabs K-Toomer, then a man with facial hair kicks K-Toomer and calls "Hollywood" Jimmy Blaylock to tell him "It's been done." K-Toomer then fights off his assailant, then fights the man with the facial hair off.
Dustin Starr interviews "The Best of the Best" Austin Lane at the announce desk. Austin Lane says he has proven that he is the best of the best since the first episode of Memphis Wrestling, but for the past five or six months, Matt Williams has been a thorn in his side and has thrown him off his game. Austin Lane says that he has went a whole year without a loss and that he won last year's Grind City Rumble, then says that he wants to finish things with Matt Williams once and for all so he can focus on this year's Grind City Rumble. Matt Williams shows up and says Austin Lane only cares for himself, and reminds him that he took care of Nikki Lane when she was injured and jumped on K-Toomer when he attacked him, then says he wanted to share the spotlight with him and become a tag team champ. Austin Lane tells Matt Williams to shut up and that there people who are more held back than Matt, then tell him to get his guy so that they can end this right now. Big Jack then shows up and stands with Matt, then Austin brings out Bruce, now known as "Bulletproof Bruce." This stars a tag team match.
"The Best of the Best" Austin Lane and Bulletproof Bruce beat Matt Williams and Big Jack.
Backstage, Big John Dalton is met by MacKenzie Morgan. MacKenzie says he has heard talk that Big John Dalton attacked her and wants to know if it was him. Big John Dalton says it was not him.
Dustin Starr interviews "The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts and Justin Case at the announce desk. Justin Case says it is the time of year where there are 29 other people in the back thinking they have a shot at winning the Grind City Rumble, but they have a problem in Aaron Roberts. Aaron Roberts then says that he wants a warm-up match and gets in the ring, and he gets in Kid Wrestling.
"The Problem Child" Aaron Roberts beats Kid Wrestling.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between "The GunShow" Brett Michaels and Mike Anthony.
Before the next match, Mike Anthony warns "The GunShow" Brett Michaels that there are two things one does not do: one does not turn their back on a man one fears and one dos not turn their back on a man one respects.
Despite a vicious pre-bell assault from Mike Anthony, "The GunShow" Brett Michaels beats Mike Anthony with a single GunShow Lariat to become Memphis Wrestling Heritage Champion for a second time.
Jon Moxley beats "All Ego" Ethan Page in his first match since October with the bulldog choke following elbows and knees to the face. After the match, Moxley hits Page with a Paradigm Shift. When Moxley heads to the back afterwards, he is met by Bryan Danielson.
We hear from Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus). Jungle Boy says Billy Gunn has been salty since he met him, and that The Gunn Club (Billy, Austin and Colten Gunn) crossed a line when they attacked Christian Cage and proved they are entitled and sour as Billy is. He says that when Christian Cage comes back, Jurassic Express will stomp The Gunn Club's heads into the ground.
Trent Barretta beats Nick Jackson.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Mercedes Martinez and Thunder Rosa.
Hook beats Serpentico with Redrum. After the match, QT Marshall shows up and verbally lambasts Hook only to get suplexed.
Backstage, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry interviews Jade Cargill and Anna Jay. Jade says Anna should be elated she is in the main event with her, but Anna warns Jade she has a dark side and that she chokes people out, and that TBS will stand for "That Bitch Slayer."
Jade Cargill retains the TBS Championship against Anna Jay.
Before the next match, Andre Chase says that Chase University continues to grow week by week, and that it is time to add some hardware to their trophy case. He announces that next week, he and Bodhi Hayward will take on Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but tonight, Hayward will make a statement when he takes on James Drake. He then tells the rest of the teams in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic that this is a teachable moment. Suddenly, Zack Gibson shows up with James Drake and says that they have been world-travelled for sixteen years and that they know every trick there is, and that Bodhi Hayward cannot learn like they have in a classroom.
James Drake beats Bodhi Hayward following the distraction from Zack Gibson.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are in the ring to start tonight's show. Jimmy says that they are here to celebrate the longest-reigning Universal Champion ever: Roman Reigns, who has held it for 508 consecutive days. Roman Reigns heads to the ring, then we see a highlight package of Roman's reign. Before Roman can saying, however, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. Rollins asks what kind of party it would be without him, then says Roman's reign will come to an end and reiterates that Roman is not accountable for his own success, as everything has been handed to him, and that Roman took that statement so poorly he sent The Usos at him. He also says that The Usos should be celebrated for being the longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions and being the cornerstones of Roman's success, calling them "Roman's pedestals." Roman says Rollins makes the same excuses and asks if John Cena wrote his promo before telling him that their match at Royal Rumble will be one-on-one, but Rollins says he does not trust Roman's word. He proposes that he finds a tag team partner and take on The Usos, and that if the The Usos lose tonight, they are barred from ringside at Royal Rumble. Jey Uso accepts the challenge, saying nobody will team up with Rollins, but Kevin Owens shows up. Roman says it is not final until he says to, and says that if Rollins wants to be a betting man, then he will raise the stake by saying that if Rollins and Owens lose, then Rollins loses his Royal Rumble match and he will go on vacation until WrestleMania. Rollins accepts the stipulation.
Before the next match, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss brag about their wins against Sir Kofi Kingston, and Moss says without King Woods, Kofi is like "a disembodied hand." He also says that if Kofi started a Garth Brooks cover band, he would sing "Friends In No Places." When Kofi Kingston heads to the ring, he is accompanied by Big E.
Sir Kofi Kingston beats Madcap Moss. After the match, Big E hits Madcap Moss with the Big Ending when Happy Corbin tries to get into the ring.
Country music artist Jimmie Allen is seen in the front row, and Summer Rae is also seen in the crowd before the next match.
Aliyah beats Natalya by disqualification after Natalya refuses to let Aliyah out of the corner. After the match, Natalya attacks Aliyah again, but Xia Li shows up, confronts Natalya and easily overpowers her.
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Los Lotharios (Angel and Humberto).
Before the next match, WWE official Sonya Deville makes herself the referee.
Charlotte Flair beats Naomi in a WWE SmackDown Women's Championship Contender's Match after Sonya Deville refuses to count a pinfall for Naomi after Naomi boots Charlotte into her as Charlotte goes for the Figure Four. Charlotte hits Naomi with a chop block afterwards, and Sonya immediately calls for the bell when Charlotte goes for the Figure Four again despite Naomi not tapping out.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Kevin Owens and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Owens says if it were not for The Usos, he would be the longest-reigning Universal Champion of all time, and The Usos trying to do that to Rollins tears him up inside. Rollins says the stakes are high, but the risk is worth the reward, and that one-on-one, he knows he can beat Roman Reigns.
Kid Rock is seen in the front row.
It's time for another edition of In-Zayn. Sami Zayn mentions Johnny Knoxville's testing of self-defense weapons on himself, then says he will test a few things to prove that what Knoxville can do, he can do better. The first thing Sami Zayn tests on himself is a cattle prod, and he zaps himself in the leg with the lowest setting. Sami then brings it up a level and points it at his chest, and after he zaps himself again, Knoxville shows up. Knoxville says that Sami is making a mockery of what he's done and that something seems off about the cattle prod. When he takes the cattle prod, he realizes it is legit, but it is not on. Knoxville turns the cattle prod on, then zaps Sami Zayn and helps him up before tossing him out of the ring again.
Backstage, Adam Pearce talks with Eric Bischoff when Sonya Deville shows up. Pearce says that Sonya's problems with Naomi is affecting her leadership, and that Naomi and Sonya will have a match next week.
We see a trailer for WWE 2K22.
Sheamus - now with Ridge Holland at his side again - beats Ricochet.
Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs meet Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett compliments Rick Boogs on his guitar playing.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Kevin Owens beats The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) by disqualification after Roman Reigns shows up and hits Rollins with a Superman Punch. As per pre-match stipulation, The Usos are banned from ringside at Royal Rumble. (Had Rollins lost, he would have lost his match for the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble.)
Two weeks after the birth of Buddy and Matteo, Nikki is changing Matteo's diaper. Nikki admits it is incredible yet scary to be a new mother that she feels like she has to hold Matteo all the day. Artem just wants to be sure that Matteo is okay. One week later, Artem returns to Dancing With The Stars. Nikki is happy for Artem to be back on the job, and Artem hopes that his return to the show does not interfere with his and Nikki's lives.
At Nikki's house, Nikki is alone with Matteo, who is colicky and unable to sleep for long periods. Nikki realizes that she is unprepared despite how much Brie helped her get prepared, and that she is living for Matteo with little time for herself.
Brie and Nikki have a photo shoot for their new children. They entertain the idea of them being future tag team champions, then Nikki gets a call from her realtor stating that a potential seller pulled out and is no longer selling their house, which is very close to where Brie wants to live.
At Nikki's house, Nikki does a live Instagram workout with Matteo present when Brie shows up. Brie says she has closed escrow in Napa Valley, and she is leaving within a month. Nikki feels more alone than ever.
At Nikki's house, Nikki and Kathy get a Dancing With The Stars watch party ready. Nikki says it is nice to have people around. Brie and Bryan show up, and Nikki appreciates their company. Nikki is glad to see Artem back on the job, and realizes that Artem is happiest when he is doing his job. Nikki says that this is the Artem she wishes he could have, as nothing she could to make him happy while he was off the show did not work. Brie is concerned for Nikki, who she feels is about to collapse.
At Nikki's house, Nikki gets a few pointers from Bryan, who feels that Nikki is stressed out without Artem and is willing to do what he can to help. Nikki gets a call from Brie, who feels that Nikki will definitely need the help from Bryan more than her, especially when Nikki is about to collapse from taking care of Matteo.
JJ and Brie go looking at scooters. Brie tells JJ has yet to tell Kathy that she and Bryan are moving to Napa Valley. JJ tells Brie that she should let Kathy know, and Brie says she will do that on the condition that JJ and Nikki make up and start talking about before Nikki leaves.
Brie, Nikki and Bryan take a walk to the park. Nikki shows up, saying Matteo is being watched by someone else. Nikki mentions she has put in an offer for another house near where Brie and Bryan are living in Napa Valley, and mentions that she has yet to tell Artem. Brie, Bryan and Birdie have fun on the slide.
At Kathy's birthday party, Nikki is nervous to see JJ after months of fighting between the two. JJ and Nikki make up and create boundaries regarding things they are passionate about, including politics. Nikki says she could not picture leaving Phoenix without making up with JJ, as she misses their relationship.
At Nikki's house, Nikki gets a call from Artem. Nikki tells Artem that she has put up an offer for another home in Napa Valley, much to the surprise of Artem, who did not expect her to do this and feels that they should have talked more about getting a house. Nikki is shocked by Artem's reaction.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie and Bryan pack for the mov to Napa Valley. Bryan hopes that this the last time that they move house.
At Nikki's house, Brie and Nikki tell Kathy that they are both moving to Napa Valley to be closer to their business. Nikki feels bad to have to tell Kathy the news. Kathy takes the news better than expected, as she knows that they have always wanted to live in Napa Valley, but she is sad that they won't be close to her anymore.
At Nikki's house, JJ shows up to visit and for his help. Nikki tells JJ she is moving to Napa Valley
At Brie and Bryan's house, Nikki gets a call from Artem. Nikki tells Artem that she has closed on the house. Artem wishes he had more input and the ability to talk more about moving house, and tells Nikki he does not want to miss time with Mikki and Matteo. He also tells Nikki that he does not know what his future holds after Dancing With The Stars, as he may have to do a tour after the show. Nikki feels Artem does not understand what she is going through. Nikki tells Brie that she has gone through a lot, and nearly breaks down as she tells her that she has been trying so hard to keep everything together. She mentions that according to her doctor, she may have postpartum depression, and wishes that Artem was with her and asking her how she is doing. She also admits she pushed Artem to go for his dreams and does not want to deter him from that. Bryan says Nikki and Artem need to figure out what they need from each other. Brie tells Nikki they will help her get through everything.
We hear from A-Kid, who says that he is proud of how he represented the Heritage Cup against Walter, and while he came up short this time, next time will be different.
In footage from earlier today, Amir Jordan meets with "The Lucky Yin" Kenny Williams, who has arranged a singles match with Tyson T-Bone for Amir. Kenny tells Amir that he has faith in him to beat Tyson T-Bone.
Ilya Dragunov beats Jack Starz by referee stoppage after Starz chops Dragunov in the back of the neck, which cause Dragunov to snap and decimate Starz, knocking him out with a Torpedo Moscow to the back of the neck. After the match, Dragunov calms down and notices that he has decimated Jack Starz, and feels guilt for what he has done.
Next week: Ben Carter in action!
We hear from Sam Gradwell, who does not consider Ben Carter exciting and will see how exciting he is when he sends him back to Jersey.
Amir Jordan beats Tyson T-Bone after reversing a sit-down counter on a Sunset Flip into a pinfall attempt of his own.
In footage from earlier today, Xia Brookside says she beat Nina Samuels fair and square only for Nina to jump her after the match and cost her a match against Isla Dawn.
She says this is not "The Nina Samuels Show," and that after Nina has dragged her family's name through the mode, Nina will find out what the Brooksides are made of.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to a four-way tag team elimination match where the winners get a shot at the NXT UK Tag Team Championships between the team of "Flash" Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews, the team of Oliver Carter and Ashton Smith, Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) and The Hunt (Wild Boar and Primate). That match is next week, and it is announced that Eddie Dennis is banned from accompanying The Hunt to the match.
Kay Lee Ray retains the NXT UK Women's Championship against Jinny. During the match, members of the NXT UK women's division, including Dani Luna and Amale, are seen watching the match from the video screens of the BT Sports Studio. Later on in the match, Joseph Conners distracts the referee as Kay Lee Ray goes for the Gory Bomb, and after Jinny hits The Makeover, Conners gets caught grabbing Kay Lee Ray's foot to stop a rope break. Conners is ejected, and he takes the Women's Championship with him. Kay Lee Ray stops Conners and slaps him, then Jinny tries to use the Women's Championship as a weapon only to fail when the referee catches her. Kay Lee Ray then hits the Gory Bomb to retain.
Tessa Blanchard shows up to start tonight's show. Tessa says it feels good to stand in the ring as Impact World Champion, and says it was a hell of a journey to get there. She says that winning the World title is only the beginning, for she will now have to defend it with a target on her chest. She knows that Sami Callihan has his rematch and loves to play mind games, and if there is one man who should watch his back and have his head on a swivel, it is him. Hard to Kill was a tough match, but she stands tougher than she has ever been. She hopes to put her feud with Sami Callihan to an end for good, and tells Sami to get in the ring and finish this once and for all so she can move on. Instead of getting Sami, she gets Taya Valkyrie. Taya says that Sami Callihan can't come out to the ring right now, then says she brought out someone even better: herself. After mentioning Tessa's recent World title win, she mentions that Tessa hasn't faced a woman since she beat her for the Knockouts title. Taya then accuses Tessa of being scared and not having what it takes anymore, and says that the only woman in the ring who has made history is her and that the World title is just a consolation prize. Tessa tells Taya to put her money where her mouth is so they can see who the real champion is, then Ace Austin shows up. Ace says that he didn't get his invitation to the winner's circle, as each of them had a successful night at Hard to Kill. After congratulating Tessa on her World title win, he tells Taya that Tessa failed to beat the both of them. Austin says he came out on top for the X Division title and says he can do it again either in the ring or at the hotel. Tessa punches Austin, and Taya and Austin then gang up on her. Suddenly, Trey Miguel runs into the ring and overpowers Ace Austin before standing tall in the ring with Tessa.
In footage from earlier today, Jimmy Jacobs interviews Willie Mack. Willie Mack says that he will have to wait and see what happens after Rich Swann comes back after nearly winning the tag team titles. Until then, he will have to push forward before Swann returns and they can go for the tag team titles. Johnny Swinger shows up and offers his services as a "premium partner," but Willie Mack declines and leaves.
Backstage, Taya Valkyrie talks with John E. Bravo when Madison Rayne and Kiera Hogan show up wanting to collect on their deal. Taya asks Kiera Hogan to face each other next week to see who faces her first while she deals with Tessa Blanchard.
Taurus beats Moose and Rhino after Rhino hits Moose with a Gore only to be headbutted by Taurus.
Backstage, Gabi Lauren interviews Jordynne Grace. Grace admits she was beaten, but next week, if Madison Rayne and Kiera Hogan are fighting for the Knockouts title, she wants in on it.
Backstage, Joey Ryan is summoned to Wrestler's Court again by Tommy Dreamer, but Joey says he is not doing this again.
Joey Ryan beats Maximo in a comedic match.
Backstage, Gabi Lauren interviews Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes. RVD says he is embarrassed to call himself a wrestler after the last match, then leaves with Katie.
Backstage, Michael Elgin says he is not big on talking as too many people talk to listen to their own voice, but when he speaks, it is truth, and the truth is that he beat Eddie Edwards twice and he made him tap out. He tells Eddie Edwards that he is coming at him head on and that this is far from over.
Havok beats Rosemary with a Tombstone Piledriver after Father James Mitchell gets on the apron only for Rosemary to spit green mist into his eyes. After the match, Father James Mitchell finds out that Suzy has wandered off and heads to the back.
Backstage, Gama Singh is talking with Mahabali Shera and Rohit Raju when he finds out from Shera that Shera has sent Raj Singh on a spiritual journey without consulting him. Gama slaps Rohit after Shera leaves, telling him not to get any ideas.
At the clubhouse, Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz tease Trey Miguel for teaming with Tessa Blanchard, then Wentz shows off the peyote that he bought off a guy in Mexico. Trey hightails it out of there before Wentz and Dez get high. Suddenly, Pagano and Murder Clown show up, and Wentz and Dez freak out and run.
Backstage, Eddie Edwards is about to call his shot on April 19th when Michael Elgin shows up and says that he beat him. Their confrontation soon gets physically, and officials and referees have to keep them apart.
Willie Mack beats Rohit Raju. After the match, Mahabali Shera attacks Willie Mack, then Johnny Swinger shows up and ducks the clothesline from Shera before confronting Gama Singh. Shera gets back in the ring and hits Swinger with Sky High. Gama then punches Swinger and Willie out before celebrating with Rohit Raju and Mahabali Shera.
The Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week is Beer Money (Bobby Roode and "The Cowboy" James Storm) vs. The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) at Genesis 2011.
Backstage, The North ("All Ego" Ethan Page and "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander) brag about their win at Hard To Kill backstage to El Hijo del Vikingo, who wants none of it and challenges "The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander to a match next week.
Next week: Match 1 of a Best of Five Series between Michael Elgin vs. Eddie Edwards! Jordynne Grace vs. Madison Rayne vs. Kiera Hogan for a #1 contender for the Knockouts title! Dr. Wagner Jr. returns!
Taya Valkyrie and Ace Austin beat Tessa Blanchard and Trey Miguel. Before the match, some distortion as well as a box saying "ICU" is seen during Tessa's entrance, implying that Sami Callihan may be hacking the show.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up to start tonight's show. Heyman mentions Finn Balor pinning John Cena and getting the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship last week, and says this was no fluke and that there was no controversy. He says that Finn Balor seized the moment to the point that John Cena took the microphone and said he believed in him, and that so did the fans. Heyman says he believes in Finn Balor, as well, and says that Finn's career is seizing of moments. He says Royal Rumble is yet another moment for Finn Balor, who believes that he will become the WWE Universal Champion, and while Finn's voice is "the voice that matters," his is "the voice that martyrs." Heyman promises that Lesnar will turn Finn Balor into a martyr who is sacrificed for the sin of making the people believe he can beat Lesnar and take the Universal title, saying even miracles fear Brock Lesnar. He says that at Royal Rumble, when Lesnar puts the ridiculous notion that Finn Balor belongs in the ring with him to bed, Finn will be on his back saying he believes in Brock Lesnar. Suddenly, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up and compliments Heyman on his promoting skills, then brings up the Biblical parable of David and Goliath and compares Finn Balor to David. He says that if any fan in the world believes Finn Balor can beat Brock Lesnar, they believe in fairy tales. Suddenly, Brock Strowman shows up. Vince asks Strowman what he is doing as Lesnar gets up close to Strowman as if to taunt him. Vince has to tell Lesnar to stop playing with him, then Strowman blames his troubles from last week on Baron Corbin. He then says that Monday ended up being lucky for Lesnar as well, and if Lesnar still has the WWE Universal Championship after Royal Rumble, he will rip him apart like one of Vince's limousines. Finn Balor then shows up and talks about his big win from last week, saying he earned his title shot, and while Vince doesn't believe he can win, he and the fans do, and at Royal Rumble, he will beat Lesnar and reclaim the Universal Championship. Strowman says he knows he can beat Lesnar, and while he doesn't know if Finn Balor, he'd "damn well better." Finn tells Strowman to stay out of his business, as he will soon do something Strowman has never done. Finn Balor then tells Vince he got the story mixed up, saying that the people laughed in David's face because they didn't know who he was or what he was capable, and Goliath fell face down into dirt. He then says nobody was laughing then. Vince asks Heyman and Lesnar to stay at ringside for the next match: Finn Balor vs. Braun Strowman.
Finn Balor beats Braun Strowman by disqualification. Brock Lesnar gets on the apron and stares down Strowman from the apron, but Finn yanks him off and drop kicks him into the steel post before getting back in the ring and hitting Lesnar with a tope con hiro. Strowman chases Finn around the ring and hits Sling Blade before drop kicking Lesnar, once from inside the ring and again on the outside into the barricade. Strowman then grabs Finn out of the ring and tosses him in from the apron, but Finn avoids Strowman's onslaught and hits the Coup De Grace. Lesnar then gets in the ring and hits Finn with an F5, ending the match.
Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush show up. Rush says that Lashley is not only better than Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, but everyone else in the locker room. He says they are not here for open challenges, saying they are "for kids," and that Lashley is a professional fighter. He says that he and Lashley do this for the money, not the fun, then Lashley stands on the podium in the center of the ring so Lio Rush can place the Intercontinental Championship around Lashley's waist. Lashley is about to start posing when Apollo Crews shows up. Apollo congratulates Lashley on winning the Intercontinental title, then says that while Lashley is a stud, people paid to see him compete, not pose. He then challenges Lashley to a match. Lio Rush says Apollo is not even in his league, and proposes that if Apollo can beat Lashley in a pose-off, he can get a match. Apollo says he doesn't know how to pose, and Rush says Apollo doesn't know how to be a champion, either. Apollo takes Lio Rush up on the pose-off challenge. Lashley goes first, followed by Apollo. As both men take turns, it becomes obvious that Apollo has a more positive reaction from the crowd. This does not sit well with Lio Rush, and he and Lashley try to get a cheap shot only to be upended by Apollo.
Bobby Lashley beats Apollo Crews with a Spear as Apollo has Lio Rush in a military press. After the match, Seth Rollins shows up and stares down with Lashley in the ring before entering the ring for his match with Drew McIntyre.
Seth Rollins is in the ring. He says that we can learn a lot from Martin Luther King, Jr., and quotes him, saying that the measure of a man is where he stands in the face of challenge and controversy. He says it was not long ago that he had two titles and two brothers by his side, but now he has no titles and a broken family. He says we must focus on what we have, not what we don't, and he still has his first and last love: wrestling. Rollins says that as long as he has a ring under his feet, a microphone in his hand and a fire in his heart, he will win the men's Royal Rumble match. He admits that winning the match is a long shot, but he does not give a damn, for his whole life is a long shot, and while he is not as big and powerful as Drew McIntyre or Bobby Lashley and from a Midwestern town with working class roots, the ring is the only reason he is not doing anything else in his life. He says that wrestling is ingrained in his soul, and while it is a long shot, he will prevail at the men's Royal Rumble. Drew McIntyre shows up and tells Rollins he will kick his head off and beat him tonight, but after hearing what he has said, he says he will not stand idly by while Rollins lies to himself and the people, as Rollins will not win the men's Royal Rumble. He says that Rollins will lose due to his wrestling style, and said that if you took Rollins' heart and put it in a 6'5" terminator, you would get Drew McIntyre. Drew then says he hopes and prays that they are in the ring together at the men's Royal Rumble so he can look up at him as it is announced that Rollins is eliminated and that McIntyre is the winner of the men's Royal Rumble match.
Seth Rollins beats Drew McIntyre with a surprise schoolkid pin.
Backstage, The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) state their case to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for another opportunity at the Raw tag team titles with a decent referee. Curt Hawkins shows up wanting another match, but Vince tells him he has lost too much and proposes that Hawkins be the ref for The Revival's match.
Backstage, we hear from Dean Ambrose, who mentions Seth Rollins' pre-match stage before saying that Martin Luther King Jr. once said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere. He says he cannot wait to see Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins in the men's Royal Rumble match so he can hurt them and send them over the top rope in revenge for costing him the Intercontinental Championship. He says that 2018 was not his year after he ran himself into the ground, and says that the men's Royal Rumble will be his shining moment. He says that come Sunday, justice will be served.
The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado) beat Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh).
We see a vignette for EC3, then go backstage and see EC3 pose in a mirror. Dana Brooke is seen talking to him as Elias heads to the ring.
Elias is in the ring. He plays guitar, then says 2019 will be an incredible year. He says that there will be many rivers to cross and mountains to climb after the men's Royal Rumble, the truth that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias" will bring everyone back home. Elias then announces that tonight, he has written a song that might be his finest yet. Before he can perform it, however, Baron Corbin interrupts and tells Elias to stop talking. He then tells the crowd to shut up only to get booed, and says Elias almost got him killed when he ratted him out to Braun Strowman. He asks the crowd what is wrong with them when they cheer upon hearing this, and the crowd tells Corbin that he sucks. Corbin counters by saying that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was right when he said there were hillbillies in the crowd, then tells Elias he is going to put him in his place. Elias tells Corbin he is no longer General Manager of Raw, and proceeds to play a song. Corbin tells his sound guy Lance to kill Corbin's microphone, and Corbin can no longer be heard as Elias tells Corbin he has a front row seat to an Elias concert. Elias proceeds to mock Corbin through song, saying that nobody cares about Corbin and that Corbin got fired. Corbin runs into the ring, but quickly rolls back out when Elias swings his guitar at him.
Baron Corbin beats Elias.
It's time for A Moment Of Bliss. Alexa Bliss announces the participants for this year's women's Royal Rumble. She then introduces tonight's guest, Nia Jax. Nia shows up and asks who Nia will pick if she wins this year's women's Royal Rumble match. Before Nia can answer, Ember Moon shows up and snatches the microphone out of Nia's hand, saying she is tired of waiting for an invitation that would never come to say that she will win the women's Royal Rumble. Alicia Fox shows up, takes the microphone and says she will win the Royal Rumble match. Mickie James shows up and makes the same claim. As all four women fight over the microphone, other women shows up. Alexa stands on the chair and says enough is enough. She says that this is her show, and if her show turns into a brawl, they will make themselves look stupid and ruin her reputation as a talk show host. Alexa telss everyone to calm down, but the brawl happens on the stage anyway. Referees quickly move into place to try to separate everyone. The brawl then spills its way backstage, then Alexa says that everyone in the women's Royal Rumble match is passionate before announcing that she will be in the match itself. Suddenly, Lacey Evans shows up and takes the microphone. She calls the women's division "a bunch of nasty, classless little girls" before stating that the winner of the women's Royal Rumble will not be "a sawed-off, girly runt." Lacey Evans, who calls herself a classy, sophisticated lady, proclaims that she will win the women's Royal Rumble match.
We hear from Titus O'Neil, who says that he is going to win the men's Royal Rumble as a backstage worker walks past in comical fashion.
Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) in their main roster debut.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable retain The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) after special guest referee Curt Hawkins sees every breaking of the rules and refuses to allow The Revival to win via dirty tricks. After the match, The Revival attack Curt Hawkins. Zack Ryder runs out from backstage and fends off The Revival to make the save for Hawkins. Ryder helps Hawkins up and stands side-by-side with his former tag team partner.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who says that she doesn't owe Sasha Banks anything, much less an apology. She says there is a big difference between a boss and a champion, and on Sunday, The Boss will answer to the champ.
Before the next match, Sasha Banks asks "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey who she says she is, and says she earned her accomplishment while Ronda was handed everything. She says the world knows she is a worthy competitor, and that she will make her tap out Sunday. This touches a nerve with Ronda, and Natalya, Bayley and the referee all have to keep Ronda and Sasha from tearing each other apart before the bell rings.
Sasha Banks and Bayley beat "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Natalya with a Banks Statement to Natalya.
"The Villain" Marty Scurll retains the ROH World Television Championship against Jonathan Gresham with the crossface chicken wing.
We see a fragment of Kyle O'Reilly vs. Adam Cole at Wrestle Kingdom 11.
"The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Almighty" Christopher Daniels beats Chris Sabin to continue to the finals of the Decade of Excellence Tournament. Both men show respect after the match.
We see a recap of Cody Rhodes vs. Steve Corino, where it is revealed that Kevin Sullivan planned for Corino to take one of the sons of Dusty Rhodes out as part of the sacrifice.
KUSHIDA beats Dragon Lee and Will Ospreay in a three-way match.
The show begins with Chris Jericho. In three short days, he will enter his ninth Royal Rumble match, and he hopes to walk away with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. After a brief recap of what happened earlier this week, Jericho is about to say he will win the Royal Rumble when The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) confront them for destroying Francesca the trombone and showing no remorse for it. They ask Jericho to bow his head along with the WWE Universe to show a moment of silence and respect for Francesca, but Jericho continues to make fun of them. Jericho also says they need better unicorn names, which leads to a "rooty tooty booty" joke. The New Day get in the ring, but Jericho says he's not fighting them because they already have a match against The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Dolph Ziggler, who arrive to start off the first match, which happens next.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Dolph Ziggler beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods).
Charlotte guests on commentary for the next match.
Becky Lynch beats Alicia Fox with the Disarmher.
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight, The Miz's guests are Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens. Ambrose shows up before The Miz can really get started and talks to himself about Sunday night's match. Miz tells Ambrose to shut up, but Ambrose tells Miz to shut up. When Miz asks him if he can do the show better than him, he says yes. Miz TV becomes Dean TV, and Dean starts talking about everything he's going to do to Kevin Owens on Sunday after saying he plans on "taking Owens on as many rides as he can." He promises to become last man standing and retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Kevin Owens shows up, says he's more of a zoo guy instead of an amusement park guy, and says he will take the Intercontinental Championship back. Ambrose says they don't have to wait; they can have the match right now. Before that can happen, however, Ambrose is attacked from behind by The Miz, who is tired of being interrupted constantly on his own show. He then tells Owens to get in the ring, but Owens hits The Miz with a pop-up power bomb. He almost does the same to Ambrose, but Ambrose counters and forces Owens to retreat. Ambrose keeps his gaze fixed on Owens as he hits Dirty Deeds on Miz, then counts to ten as he continues to stare at him from across the ring.
Bray Wyatt beats Ryback with help from the rest of The Wyatt Family (Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman).
Titus O'Neil beats Stardust.
Renee Young interviews Kalisto. Despite Del Rio being a legend in Mexico, he is still ready, willing and able to take him on. Del Rio then shows up with the rest of The League of Nations (Sheamus, King Barrett, Rusev) and beats Kalisto up.
Before the next match, Roman Reigns says that even with the odds stacked against him, he is still walking out of the Royal Rumble match as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. As for tonight, he really likes his chances against The League of Nations (Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, King Barrett, Rusev).
The referee calls for the bell on Roman Reigns vs. The League of Nations (Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, King Barrett, Rusev) gets out of control when Barrett and Rusev resort to dirty tacts. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) rush in to attempt to make the save, but the numbers game still catches up to them. Roman Reigns is able to fight back, but he is surrounded on all sides of the ring by The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan, Braun Strowman). Roman does his best to fight them off, but he ends up being another victim of the Family before Royal Rumble.
Cortez Castro and Mr. Cisco beat Pimpinella Escarlata and Mascarita Sagrada. After the match, Big Ryck, who has been watching the match, makes it clear that he's going after the Lucha Underground Championship and will crush anyone for it, including his own men. Castro, Mr. Cisco and Bael take offense to this and turn on him, attacking him from behind and burning him in the eye with his own cigar, before walking into Dario Cueto's office.
Dario Cueto pays Mr. Cisco, Castro Cortez, and Bael under the table for turning on Big Ryck.
Vampiro interviews Cage. Cage says he doesn't give care what anybody thinks of him, and he isn't going to wait his turn to take the Lucha Underground Championship.
Pentagon Jr. beats Super Fly. After the match, Pentagon Jr. calls Chavo Guerrero "a fraud," and says there is somebody willing to join forces with him when Chavo left him high and dry.
Sexy Star beats El Mariacho Loco.
King Cuerno beats Drago in a Last Luchador Standing match after tying Drago up with some rope in the corner. After the match, Cuerno places the deer head from his entrance attire on top of Drago's head.
William Regal announces the next NXT special will be on February 11th. Also, Charlotte will defend the NXT Women's Championship against Sasha Banks tonight.
Sami Zayn beats up Tye Dillinger, then calls out Kevin Owens. William Regal tells him to calm down. After some tense discussion, Regal makes the match for the next NXT: TakeOver on February 11th.
William Regal mentions there will be a contract signing for Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens' match next week.
Finn Balor beats Curtis Axel to continue to the next round of the NXT Championship #1 Contender's Tournament.
Devin Taylor interviews Sasha Banks. She's banking (no pun intended) on beating Charlotte tonight to become the NXT Women's Champion.
Bull Dempsey plans on beating Baron Corbin in their rematch in the NXT Championship #1 Contender's Tournament next week.
Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte for the WWE Women's Championship ends when Becky Lynch interferes. As Sasha and Becky attack Charlotte, Becky comes out and forces them to retreat, then stares at the NXT Women's Championship. Charlotte takes the title away from her, which causes Bayley to snap and attack Charlotte. William Regal shows up and makes a match for the title on February 11th: Charlotte vs. Bayley vs. Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks in a Fatal Four Way for the NXT Women's Championship.
Kevin Owens says he'll say what he wants to say to Sami Zayn at the contract signing next week.
Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy get a surprise victory against The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch).
After the match, Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy don't think their victory is a fluke, and challenge The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) for the NXT Tag Team Championships next week.
The Lucha Dragons (Sin Cara and Kalisto) has accepted Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy's challenge for next week.
Hideo Itami beats Tyler Breeze to continue to the next round of the NXT Championship #1 Contender's tournament.
Hello, and welcome to PrinceWatercress's Wrestling Roundup!
For this maiden entry, we'll look back on the last episode of Raw before the Royal Rumble. This one was full of surprises, from a Beat The Clock challenge to some strong promos by both The Rock and CM Punk. Here's what happened:
The show starts with a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (This episode aired on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, for any and all non-United States readers who happen upon this.)
The madness begins with Raw Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero heading to the ring with Paul Heyman hanging off of her arm. Heyman is not only showing respect for Vickie, but also standing in solidarity with her after how The Rock insulted them during last week's Rock Concert. They show not only Rock's insults towards Heyman on the TitanTron, but also the ones aimed towards Vickie, and neither person enjoys their replayed segment.
The Rock is here in San Jose, but he's been banned from entering the arena by Vickie Guerrero! We see The Rock on the TitanTron reasoning with the security guards as only The Rock can, telling them that nothing will stop him from entering. After he asks them to arrest CM Punk, Paul Heyman and Vickie Guerrero for comically bizarre reasons, we see that Heyman and Vickie are appalled, and Vickie takes a predictable comedic stab at The Rock.
There is a Beat The Clock Challenge tonight. Whomever wins the challenge will be able to choose their entry number at the Royal Rumble this Sunday.
Randy Orton beats Antonio Cesaro in a Beat The Clock Challenge match in 11:36 (11 minutes, 36 seconds).
If you missed The Shield's message to Randy Orton, Team Hell No and Sheamus from SmackDown last Friday, it was aired again after this match.
As Brad Maddox climbs the barricade and (briefly) guests on commentary to the chagrin of Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole, Big Show knocks out Zack Ryder in a matter of seconds, and pins him with his knee for the three counts. He then uses Zack Ryder as an example of what he's going to do to Alberto Del Rio in his World title rematch at Royal Rumble by placing his foot on Zack Ryder and counting to six before snapping at the fans for their "What?" remarks. The match between Alberto Del Rio and Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship at Royal Rumble is another Last Man Standing match.
As Paul Heyman talks on the phone, Brad Maddox annoys him again. Paul Heyman, admires him and says he was wrong about him, and they shake hands. Is Paul Heyman and CM Punk now in cahoots with Brad Maddox after all this time?
Ryback immediately vanquishes 3MB (Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre). Sunday is Ryback's first Royal Rumble match, which means he's officially in the 30-man contest.
The Rock tries to coerce the security guards to let him in as only The Rock can. Vickie Guerrero tries to get them to arrest The Rock, but The Rock hasn't done anything to warrant an arrest. She tells them to arrest him before they get suspended (wait...what?), then Vickie tells Rock that if he apologizes for his comments last week, she'll lift the ban. The Rock tells her it ain't gonna happen, before getting at her again with his rapier wit. The Rock has an idea, and brings it to the security guards, one of which has a ticket to tonight's show...
Next Monday, Raw takes place in Las Vegas for Raw Roulette.
CM Punk enters the ring with Paul Heyman. Punk talks about how he will not allow anyone to take the WWE Championship away from him. The Rock is here to entertain...while Punk is here to hurt people. Punk chose honest arrogance, while The Rock chose...the people. Punk says The Rock will never be champion...and in six days the WWE Championship will still be around Punk's waist.
AJ and Big E screw up The Miz's figure four leg lock, and Dolph Ziggler beats the clock by 40 seconds. 10:56 is the new time to beat.
Kane and Daniel Bryan graduate from the Shelby Academy for Anger Management. They get the cap and diploma...then they argue over who is valedictorian when the valedictorian gets to express their feelings. Dr. Shelby asks if a hug would make them feel better. It then turns into everyone in the arena hugging in what is probably one of the most hilarious Team Hell No segments yet.
Kaitlyn beats Alicia Fox.
Paul Heyman has a skybox seat for CM Punk. It's for Paul Heyman's "Paul-Bomb" to The Rock...next!
Paul Heyman is in the ring. CM Punk is in the skybox as Paul serves as Punk's "interpreter" who will "keep it simple" for the WWE Universe. He talks about how Vince McMahon is desperate and has made The Rock "the flavor of the month." He goes on to call The Rock "stupid." The Rock shows up...with a ticket he got from one of the security guards. He thanks the San Jose Police Department for the ticket, and when Paul Heyman talks back, The Rock tells him to get the hell out of the ring. Heyman backs out, and The Rock looks up at the skybox - and Punk - and tells him that he may be "Best In The World," but he won't be after Royal Rumble. Like MLK, everyone will say "Free at last!" when CM Punk's championship reign comes to anend. The arena then goes dark, and The Shield attack The Rock as the lights come back on, giving him the triple power bomb before leaving. Punk tells Room there's only room for one at the top...and that The Rock just isn't great enough...
Dolph Ziggler, AJ and Big E Langston stop Sheamus from beating the clock against Wade Barrett, allowing Dolph Ziggler to pick which entry number he gets at the Royal Rumble match Sunday.
Dolph Ziggler boasts about his victory to Vickie Guerrero, but the joke's on him: according to Vickie, he can only pick between entry numbers #1 and #2.
CM Punk and Paul Heyman meet Vince McMahon. If The Shield interferes in his match against The Rock for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble, Punk will be stripped of the title.
Alberto Del Rio beats Tensai. Del Rio tells Big Show that he'll be doing the ten count in Spanish. He leads the San Jose crowd to do just that, then Ricardo Rodriquez starts a "¡SÃ!" chant.
The second Class of 2013 inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame is Bob Backlund.
John Cena comes to the ring. After interacting with a kid, a young girl and some young guy with a neckbeard while talking about Sunday, he talks about the Royal Rumble. Cena says he will win, then Sheamus shows up and makes the same claim. The Prime Time Players (Darren Young and Titus O'Neil), Randy Orton, The Miz, Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane), Antonio Cesaro and 3MB (Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre) enter the ring doing the same, and a whole slew of other Superstars show up, culminating in a massive brawl that ends the show!
That's it for this entry! Tune in next time when I show off the results for WWE Main Event and make my predictions for Royal Rumble!
Joey Styles and "The Quintessential Studmuffin" Joel Gertner welcome everyone to tonight's show. Gertner insults Cyrus by calling him a schmuck, then Cyrus shows up. Cyrus tells the crowd they have heat with the office, and that nobody has more heat with the office than Gertner. He says that contrary to popular opinion, he has been in Gertner's corner since day one and wants him to be the best he can be. He has censored him, called him into the office for meetings, warned him publicly and privately both on TNN and in front of the boys, and tells him that the "dirty middle name" thing is not over and that he will have to be a little more creative, because the next time he ignores his authority, he will kick his fat ass. Joey Styles has to hold Gertner back from beating up Cyrus, and the crowd chants "Let him go!"
The Impact Players (Justin Credible and Lance Storm), "The Sexiest Man Alive" Jason and Dawn Marie show up as Cyrus leaves and Joey Styles and "The Quintessential Studmuffin" Joel Gertner are still in the ring. Justin says they are not ones to say "We told you so," but they told them so. They said they would become ECW World Tag Team Champions and make an impact. Tonight, the establishment wants them to defend the tag titles, but they are running the show and they will defend the titles here tonight. Suddenly, "Dastardly" Danny Doring, Electra and Roadkill show up. Doring tells The Impact Players they will not disappoint the people and that they will put the titles on the night against him and Roadkill. Storm asks who they think they are, and calls them "a couple of opening match guys" before saying the only thing main event about them is Electra's breasts. He asks them who they have beaten aside from no-talent, one-dimensional jobbers, and says beating them takes them to mid-card, and if they can beat a mid-card team, only then will they consider having a match with them. Until then, Doring and Roadkill (whom Storm calls a "newly-elevated mid-card team") will face a "newly demoted mid-card team" in "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Raven. Dreamer and Raven run into the ring, with Dreamer carrying a steel chair, and they have a match.
"Dastardly" Danny Doring and Roadkill beat "The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer and Raven. During the match, Francince confronts Electra, but Dawn Marie runs into the ring and hits Francine in the back of the head with a foreign object. Raven then carries Francine to the back and is not seen for the rest of the match. Later on in the match, Rhino, Jack Victory and Steve Corino run into the ring, and Rhino hits Dreamer with a piledriver. Doring hits a top rope leg drop for the win. After the match, Jack Victory and Steve Corino take the boots to Dreamer, and Corino knocks referee John Finegan out of the ring. Corino and Victory are still attacking Dreamer when "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes comes out of the road, gets in the ring, and beats them both up. Rhino then gets back in the ring and takes Dusty down, and he, Corino and Victory take the boots to him until The Sandman arrives. Rhino tries to gore the Sandman and runs into the ring post, and THe Sandman strikes Rhino with his Singapore cane.
Super Crazy beats Tajiri in a violent Mexican Deathmatch.
Mike Awesome and Judge Jeff Jones are in the ring. Awesome says he is sure everyone saw him kick Spike Dudley's ass on pay-per-view last week, and he is sure everyone saw him knock the teeth of Spike's girlfriend right down her throat. After saying "Fuck you, Paul," He says he is the most awesome athlete in sports today and the most awesome wrestler in the business today. The crowd starts chanting for Rob Van Dam. He holds the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, which is the only title that matters in wrestling today and makes him "the whole fuckin' show." Rob Van Dam shows up along with Bill Alfonso, and RVD tells Awesome to listen to what he is thinking as he is confusing his fans with "that nonsense." He says that Awesome is a "big motherfucker" and a great champion, but no matter how good his ass kickings are, Awesome is only part of the show while he is the whole fuckin' show. Awesome sees nothing but "a puny little punk-ass Television title" around RVD's waist, while he is the heavyweight champion of the world. He lays his belt on the mat, and dares RVD to take it from him. RVD says it's about 4:20 right now, and he's got some time to burn, so they might as well do it right now. Before the match can begin, the lights go out. WHen they come back on, Sabu is in the ring with a steel chair. Awesome says something to Sabu, then the crowd chants "three-way dance." Awesome says he'll take both RVD and Sabu right now. Sabu then suddenly throws a steel chair into RVD's face, then lays another one down so that Awesome can hit RVD with an Awesome Bomb on it. Sabu then hits RVD with the triple jump moonsault followed by the Arabian Facebuster, then he knocks Bill Alfonso out on a table with a right hand before putting Alfonso through it. Spike Dudley gets in the ring and fights Awesome, but Sabu nails Spike from behind and Spike falls victim to an Awesome Bomb. Awesome and Sabu then set up a table in the middle of the ring, then Awesome and Sabu both go up top and send RVD through the table to end the show.
